Identifying an unknown material is a crucial task in many insurance investigations, as it can help determine the cause of a loss or damage. Armstrong Forensic Laboratory is a licensed testing laboratory that has a team of seasoned experts specializing in chemical analysis and material identification. By using sophisticated instrumentation and techniques, the laboratory can accurately identify unfamiliar substances and provide clients with the information they need to make informed decisions.

One of the methods used by Armstrong Forensic Laboratory to identify an unknown material is Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This technique involves shining an infrared light on the sample and measuring the energy absorbed by the material. The spectrum obtained from the measurement provides a unique fingerprint that can be compared with a library of known spectra or used to identify functional groups present in the material. FTIR is a non-destructive, rapid, and sensitive method that requires a small amount of the sample.

Another technique commonly used by Armstrong Forensic Laboratory is scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). This method involves scanning the surface of the sample with a focused beam of electrons and detecting the X-rays generated by the interaction between the electrons and the atoms in the sample. The X-ray spectrum obtained indicates the elements present in the material and their relative concentrations. SEM-EDS is a powerful and versatile technique that can be used to analyze samples in different forms, such as powders, fibers, liquids, and solids.

In addition to FTIR and SEM-EDS, Armstrong Forensic Laboratory offers other analytical methods for material identification, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). GC-MS and LC-MS are used to separate and identify the components of complex mixtures, while AAS is used to determine the concentration of metals in the sample. The selection of the appropriate method depends on the nature of the material and the questions to be answered.

In conclusion, identifying an unknown material is a complex and challenging task that requires a combination of expertise, instrumentation, and techniques. Armstrong Forensic Laboratory is a licensed testing laboratory with decades of experience in chemical analysis and material identification. Its team of experts uses state-of-the-art equipment and methods, such as FTIR and SEM-EDS, to accurately identify unfamiliar substances. By providing reliable and timely results, Armstrong Forensic Laboratory helps clients in insurance investigations make informed decisions and resolve their claims.